A Pentagon official tells Fox News that the US military is prepared to reimpose a blockade on Iran if the order comes. The statement adds to a series of American signals of military readiness amid ongoing tensions with Tehran.
A Pentagon official told Fox News on Wednesday that the US military is ready to reimpose a maritime blockade on Iran if ordered. The statement, attributed to an unnamed Pentagon source, reinforces American military readiness posture amid the ongoing standoff.
The comment follows a string of US signals of potential escalation. On Tuesday, Fox News reported that the US military was prepared to respond if Iran decided to strike back, citing a senior American official. Earlier this week, Axios cited unnamed US officials expecting Iranian retaliation that could target American bases. The administration has also publicly discussed targeting Iranian power plants, with President Trump telling Fox News he was close to ordering such strikes. Defense Secretary Hegseth has previously threatened an "iron siege" on Iran if it violated nuclear commitments.
The blockade threat — a reprise of the naval pressure campaign imposed during the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" policy — would aim to strangle Iranian oil exports. No order has been confirmed, and the official's language leaves the decision with political leadership.
3 developments
- DevelopingFox News: US military ready to respond if Iran decides to strike back
- DevelopingWSJ: US warships on alert as Trump may order naval blockade of Iran 'within hours'
- StrongHegseth: When siege is fully lifted, trade will flow; US can reimpose 'iron siege' if Iran fails to comply
- StrongUS reportedly preparing another wave of strikes, target list includes Iranian power plants
Source and signal
- Internal intake